Interpreting art, architecture, history, music, and literature

Ladies and Gentleman

Ladies and Gentlemen

Ladies & Gentlemen

Ladies & Gentlemen

Ladies & Gentlemen

Current essay is a survey report. The author surveyed 10 men and women about the image of a perfect lady and a perfect gentleman as described in the book "The Courtier" by Characteristics of a gentleman

In describing the excellent courtier in her book "The Courtier" Castiglione has discussed the characteristic of a perfect gentleman. In the book the perfect gentleman has been portrayed as cool minded, having good voice, using good, elegant and brave words as well as appropriate manners and gestures. The perfect gentleman should also possess a warrior spirit, be athletic and should keep good knowledge of humanities, fine arts and classics. The debate of perfect gentleman revolves around the aspects of humor, nobility, women and love. Amongst the several qualities discussed for a perfect gentleman the most discussed in the book is the public speaking and manner in which the a gentleman presents himself while the way he should speak is most important. Describing Castiglione's presentation of a perfect gentleman Wayne (1993) states that behavior and manners of the gentleman is "designed to make people marvel at him, to transform himself into a beautiful spectacle for others to contemplate." In addition the appearance and dress has been given importance because according to the Catiglione (2002) a perfect gentleman is should consider the appeal and approval of the public.

Virtue is another quality of a perfect gentleman in the Courtier. The courtier has to be strong character and morally strong too.

Characteristics of a Perfect Lady

In comparison to perfect gentleman Catiglione (2002) presented the characteristics of a perfect lady in the Courtier.Catiglione (2002) stated that a perfect lady "with all the perfections proper to women and virtues of the recently created courtier." The perfect lady is mostly similar to as regards the personality and mental qualities. The characteristics of a perfect lady include that she is carful, modest, and noble. Just like perfect gentleman she is graceful and well mannered. She is never jealous or and is loyal and holds good repute. A perfect ladies is expert in all the activities of a woman.

In contrast to courtier or gentleman it is important for the perfect lady to have good looks and to appear innocent all the times. She must have good reputation and avoid indulging in immodest behavior which can harm her reputation. In addition to this, a perfect lady must have all the qualities common to a woman such as goo in housekeeping, good care giver and good mother. Socially she must be attractive, truthful, and humorous. Here she also needs to keep a proper balance between modesty and charm. In the book perfect lady is in particular advised to avoid any immodest conversation. She must have knowledge of different subjects so that she may talk to different people according to their mental level and have an appropriate conversation topic. The Court lady must be a good judge of character and is advised to avoid affection

The main point here is that it has been advised that the lady should be graceful much more than the gentleman and she must not resemble man and thus she must avoid any activity such as strenuous physical activities "should in no way resemble a man as regards her ways, manners, words, gestures and bearing." As compared to man a woman must be soft, tender, sweet and gentle and she was instead expected to be soft, tender, sweet and gentle and to participate in more graceful things like dancing and painting.

Another quality for perfect lady which has been highly recommended is virtue that means she maintains chastity, purity and moral excellence. For a lady virtue is sacred and she should do everything to protect from falsehood, rumors and ill repute.

Survey Report

I did survey with 5 men and 5 women within the age group of 20-50 within my family and friends. I asked them to describe their views of perfect lady and gentleman and discuss whether in today's society these characteristics and qualities can be maintained or are considered ideal.